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The loaches form an important group of having good potential to be classified aquarium fish due to their
small size, bright bands, blotches, colouration, peaceful nature, hardiness, compatibility, and the ability
to be reared in aquarium throughout the life span. In the present communication, The Darjeeling
Himalaya and its adjoining plain land Terai and Dooars of the Indian state of West Bengal were surveyed
for four years (March 2007 to February 2011) in order to examine the diversity of loaches. A total of 20
species of loaches were recorded from the study area belonging to 4 families and 9 genera. Percentage
compositions of families were Balitoridae (5%), Nemacheilidae (55%), Cobitidae (20%) and Botiidae
(20%). Amongst them more than 50 percent species belong to threatened category. The region with rich
ichthyodiversity and high level of endemism is under immediate threat of species decline and habitat
destruction mainly due to tremendous pressure from demotechnic growth and also because of natural
environmental changes. Thus, there should be a term planning, conservation and judicious use of the
germplasm, the highly priced native ornamental fish resources especially loaches to provide this region
an ample scope for foreign exchange earnings.
Keywords: Darjeeling Himalaya, Loaches, Ornamental fish.